Geared ramp assembly with raised ramp position and side rails and method of use

ABSTRACT

A ramp assembly to accommodate a wheel-chaired passenger to enter or exit a motorized vehicle having a conventional floor includes a frame, a ramp, and a side rail assembly. The ramp is slidably coupled to the frame for movement between a stowed position and an extended position. Once extended, the rear end of the ramp is movable between a raised position and a lowered position. The side rail assembly is moveable from a collapsed position to a lifted position as the ramp moves from the lowered position to the raised position.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/094,930, filed Nov. 11, 2020, entitled “Geared Ramp Assemblywith Raised Ramp Position and Side Rails and Method of Use,” whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.63/026,777, filed May 19, 2020, entitled “Geared Ramp Assembly withRaised Ramp Position and Side Rails and Method of Use”, and U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/945,291, filed Dec. 9, 2019,entitled “Geared Ramp Assembly with Raised Ramp Position and Method ofUse”, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present application relates to a passenger vehicle for transportingone or more passengers, and more particularly to a ramp assembly movableto a raised position for accommodating ingress and egress of aphysically limited passenger.

BACKGROUND

Automobile manufacturers do not currently mass-produce passenger motorvehicles specifically designed to transport passengers having physicallimitations, either as a driver or as a non-driving passenger.Consequently, mass-produced passenger vehicles are modified, orretrofitted, by a number of aftermarket companies dedicated to supplyingvehicles to physically limited passengers. Such vehicles can be modifiedaltering or adding certain parts or structures within a vehicle toaccommodate the physically limited passenger without inconveniencingother passengers or sacrificing space in the vehicle. For example, inone configuration, a van or bus is retrofitted with a ramp to enable aphysically limited individual using a wheelchair to enter and exit thevehicle.

In some instances, the ramp is stored below the conventional vehiclefloor and deploys to accommodate entry and exit of the physicallylimited individual through a side door or entrance of the vehicle.Challenges may arise related to stowing the ramp and ensuring that theramp is flush with the conventional vehicle floor when the ramp isdeployed.

SUMMARY

In a first embodiment of the disclosure, a ramp assembly to accommodatea wheel-chaired passenger to enter or exit a motorized vehicle having aconventional floor includes a ramp, a drive block, and a wheel. Theframe includes a top edge, a bottom edge, a front end, a rear end spacedlongitudinally apart from the front end, and a track system extendinglongitudinally between the front end and the rear end of the frame. Theramp is slidably coupled to the frame and includes a front end and arear end. The drive block is configured to translate longitudinallyalong the track system. The wheel is pivotally coupled to the ramp, hasa longitudinal axis, and is rotatably coupled to the drive block forrotation about the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the ramp is configured to raise and lower relativeto the wheel when the wheel is rotated about the longitudinal axis. Theramp assembly may further include a hinge having a first end coupled tothe wheel and a second end coupled to the rear end of the ramp, whereinthe first end is configured to pivot relative to the second end tofacilitate pivoting movement of the ramp relative to the wheel.

In some embodiments, the wheel is rotatable between a first position inwhich the rear end of the ramp is positioned below the top edge of theframe, and a second position in which the rear end of the ramp ispositioned above the top edge of the frame. In some embodiments, theramp assembly further comprises a toothed-mount coupled to the front endof the frame, wherein the wheel is a toothed-wheel configured to rotateabout the longitudinal axis when the toothed-wheel is in contact withthe toothed-mount.

In some embodiments, the toothed-wheel is rotatable between a firstposition in which the rear end of the ramp is positioned below thetoothed-mount, and a second position in which the rear end of the rampis positioned above the toothed-mount. The ramp is movable between: (i)a stowed position in which the wheel is spaced apart from the front endof the frame, (ii) a lowered position in which the wheel is positionedat the front end of the frame, (iii) and a raised position in which thewheel is positioned at the front end of the frame and rotated relativeto the wheel when the ramp is in the lowered position. In the stowedposition the ramp is positioned inside the motorized vehicle and beneaththe conventional floor. In the lowered position the ramp is positionedoutside the motorized vehicle and the rear end of the ramp is positionedbelow the conventional floor. In the raised position the ramp ispositioned outside the motorized vehicle and the rear end of the ramp ispositioned flush with the conventional floor.

In some embodiments, the track system includes: a first-side track, asecond-side track spaced apart from the first-side track, and an openingdefined between the first-side track and the second-side track sized toreceive the ramp. In some embodiments, the ramp assembly includes amount coupled to the first-side track and the second-side track, whereinthe mount further defines the opening sized to receive the ramp. In someembodiments, the ramp assembly further includes a first bearing coupledto the mount; a second bearing positioned at the rear end of the frame;a threaded-rod extending between and configured to rotate relative tothe first bearing and the second bearing; and a threaded-casing fixedlycoupled to the drive block and configured to translate longitudinallyalong the threaded-rod during rotation of the threaded-rod. In someembodiments, the wherein the wheel is rotatable between a first positionin which the rear end of the ramp is aligned with the opening, and asecond position in which the rear end of the ramp is positioned abovethe mount.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, a ramp assembly for a motorizedvehicle having a conventional floor includes a frame and a ramp. Theframe includes a front end, a rear end spaced longitudinally apart fromthe front end, and a track system extending longitudinally between thefront end and the rear end of the frame. The ramp is slidably coupled tothe frame and includes a front end and a rear end. The ramp assemblyfurther includes a drive block configured to translate longitudinallyalong the track system; a first cog coupled to the frame; a second cogcoupled to the drive block for longitudinal movement therewith. One ofthe first cog and the second cog is a toothed-wheel pivotally coupled tothe ramp, and the other of the first cog and the second cog is atoothed-bar configured to engage the toothed-wheel to cause rotation ofthe toothed-wheel.

In some embodiments, the ramp is configured to pivot relative to thetoothed-wheel during rotation of the toothed-wheel. In some embodiments,the track system includes a first-side track and a second-side track,and the toothed-wheel is rotatable between: a first position in whichthe rear end of the ramp is positioned above the frame, and a secondposition in which the rear end of the ramp is vertically aligned with anopening of the frame defined between the first-side track and thesecond-side track.

In some embodiments, the ramp is movable between: (i) a stowed positionin which the second cog is spaced apart from the first cog, (ii) alowered position in which the second cog is in contact with the firstcog, (iii) and a raised position in which the second cog is in contactwith the first cog and the toothed-wheel is rotated relative to thetoothed-wheel when the ramp is in the lowered position. In the stowedposition the ramp is positioned inside the motorized vehicle and beneaththe conventional floor. In the lowered position the rear end of the rampis positioned below the conventional floor. In the raised position theramp is positioned outside the motorized vehicle and the rear end of theramp is positioned flush with the conventional floor.

In some embodiments, the ramp is movable between: (i) a stowed positionin which the second cog is spaced apart from the rear end of the frame,(ii) a lowered position in which the second is positioned at the rearend of the frame, (iii) and a raised position in which the second cog ispositioned at the rear end of the frame and the toothed-wheel is rotatedrelative to the toothed-wheel when the ramp is in the lowered position.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, a method of moving a ramprelative to a conventional floor of a motorized vehicle includes:sliding a rear end of the ramp from a rear end to a front end of a framethat is positioned beneath the conventional floor; and pivoting the rearend of the ramp relative to the frame from first position in which therear end of the ramp is below the conventional floor to a secondposition in which the rear end of the ramp is flush with theconventional floor.

In some embodiments, sliding a rear end of the ramp from a rear end to afront end of a frame includes engaging a first cog with a second cog. Insome embodiments, pivoting the rear end of the ramp relative to theframe includes rotating the one of the first cog and second cog relativeto the other of the first cog and second cog.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a ramp assembly isconfigured to accommodate a wheel-chaired passenger to enter or exit amotorized vehicle. The motorized vehicle has a conventional floor. Theramp assembly comprises: a frame including a top edge, a bottom edge, afront end, a rear end spaced longitudinally apart from the front end,and a track system extending longitudinally between the front end andthe rear end of the frame; a ramp slidably coupled to the frame andincluding a front end and a rear end; a drive block configured to movelongitudinally along the track system; and a wheel pivotally coupled tothe ramp; wherein the wheel has a longitudinal axis and is rotatablycoupled to the drive block for rotation about the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the ramp is configured to be raised and loweredrelative to the wheel when the wheel is rotated about the longitudinalaxis. In some embodiments, the ramp assembly includes a hinge having afirst end coupled to the wheel and a second end coupled to the rear endof the ramp, wherein the first end of the hinge is configured to pivotrelative to the second end of the hinge to facilitate pivoting movementof the ramp relative to the wheel.

In some embodiments, the wheel is rotatable between: a first position inwhich the rear end of the ramp is positioned below the top edge of theframe, and a second position in which the rear end of the ramp ispositioned above the top edge of the frame.

In some embodiments, the ramp assembly further comprises a cross barcoupled to the front end of the frame, wherein the cross bar includes atoothed portion; wherein the wheel is a toothed wheel configured torotate about the longitudinal axis when in contact with the toothedportion of the cross bar. In some embodiments, the toothed wheel isrotatable between: a first position in which the rear end of the ramp ispositioned below the toothed mount, and a second position in which therear end of the ramp is positioned above the toothed mount.

In some embodiments, the ramp is movable between: (i) a stowed positionin which the wheel is spaced apart from the front end of the frame, (ii)a lowered position in which the wheel is positioned at the front end ofthe frame, (iii) and a raised position in which the wheel is positionedat the front end of the frame and rotated relative to the wheel when theramp is in the lowered position.

In some embodiments, in the stowed position the ramp is positionedinside the motorized vehicle and beneath the conventional floor, in thelowered position the ramp is positioned outside the motorized vehicleand the rear end of the ramp is positioned below the conventional floor,and in the raised position the ramp is positioned outside the motorizedvehicle and the rear end of the ramp is positioned flush with theconventional floor.

In some embodiments, the track system includes: a first-side trackcoupled a first side of the frame, a second-side track spaced apart fromthe first-side track and coupled to a second side of the frame, and anopening defined between the first-side track and the second-side tracksized to receive the ramp. In some embodiments, the ramp assemblyincludes a cross bar coupled to the first side of the frame and thesecond side of the frame, wherein the cross bar further defines theopening sized to receive the ramp.

In some embodiments the ramp assembly comprises: a first bearing coupledto the cross bar; a second bearing positioned at the rear end of theframe; a threaded rod extending between and configured to rotaterelative to the first bearing and the second bearing; and a threadedcasing fixed relative to the drive block and configured to movelongitudinally along the threaded rod during rotation of the threadedrod. In some embodiments, the wheel is rotatable between: a firstposition in which the rear end of the ramp is aligned with the opening,and a second position in which the rear end of the ramp is positionedabove the cross bar.

In another illustrative embodiment, a ramp assembly for a motorizedvehicle having a conventional floor comprises: a frame including a frontend, a rear end spaced longitudinally apart from the front end, and atrack system extending longitudinally between the front end and the rearend of the frame; a ramp slidably coupled to the frame and including afront end and a rear end; a drive block configured to translatelongitudinally along the track system; a first cog coupled to the frame;and a second cog coupled to the drive block for longitudinal movementtherewith, wherein one of the first cog and the second cog is a toothedwheel pivotally coupled to the ramp, and the other of the first cog andthe second cog is a toothed bar configured to engage the toothed wheelto cause rotation of the toothed wheel.

In some embodiments, the ramp is configured to be raised and loweredrelative to the toothed wheel during rotation of the toothed wheel. Insome embodiments, the track system includes a first-side track and asecond-side track, and the toothed wheel is rotatable between: a firstposition in which the rear end of the ramp is positioned above theframe, and a second position in which the rear end of the ramp isvertically aligned with an opening of the frame defined between thefirst-side track and the second-side track.

In some embodiments, the ramp is movable between: (i) a stowed positionin which the second cog is spaced apart from the first cog, (ii) alowered position in which the second cog is in contact with the firstcog, (iii) and a raised position in which the second cog is in contactwith the first cog and the toothed wheel is rotated relative to thetoothed wheel when the ramp is in the lowered position.

In some embodiments, in the stowed position the ramp is positionedinside the motorized vehicle and beneath the conventional floor, in thelowered position the rear end of the ramp is positioned below theconventional floor, and in the raised position the ramp is positionedoutside the motorized vehicle and the rear end of the ramp is positionedflush with the conventional floor.

In some embodiments, the ramp is movable between: (i) a stowed positionin which the second cog is spaced apart from the rear end of the frame,(ii) a lowered position in which the second is positioned at the rearend of the frame, (iii) and a raised position in which the second cog ispositioned at the rear end of the frame and the toothed wheel is rotatedrelative to the toothed wheel when the ramp is in the lowered position.

In another illustrative embodiment, a method of moving a ramp relativeto a conventional floor of a motorized vehicle comprises: sliding a rearend of the ramp from a rear end to a front end of a frame that ispositioned beneath the conventional floor; and adjusting the height ofthe rear end of the ramp relative to the frame from first position inwhich the rear end of the ramp is below the conventional floor to asecond position in which the rear end of the ramp is flush with theconventional floor.

In some embodiments, sliding a rear end of the ramp from a rear end to afront end of a frame includes engaging a first cog with a second cog;and adjusting the height of the rear end of the ramp relative to theframe includes rotating the one of the first cog and second cog relativeto the other of the first cog and second cog.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure and the manner ofobtaining them will become more apparent and the disclosure itself willbe better understood by reference to the following description of theembodiments of the disclosure, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a passenger vehicle including a movableramp;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a ramp assembly showing a ramp in astowed position beneath a conventional floor of the passenger vehicle;

FIG. 2B is a partial cross-section view of the ramp assembly of FIG. 2Ashowing the ramp engaged with a track system of a frame;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the ramp assembly showing the ramp in alowered position below the conventional floor of the passenger vehicle;

FIG. 3B is a partial cross-section view of the ramp assembly of FIG. 3Ashowing a toothed-wheel in contact with a toothed-bar of the frame;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the ramp assembly showing the ramp in araised position flush with the conventional floor of the passengervehicle;

FIG. 4B is a partial cross-section view of the ramp assembly of FIG. 4Ashowing the toothed-wheel rotated relative to the toothed-wheel in FIG.3B;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a passenger vehicle including a movableramp;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a ramp assembly showing a ramp in astowed position beneath a conventional floor of the passenger vehicle;

FIG. 6B is a partial cross-section view of the ramp assembly of FIG. 6Ashowing the ramp engaged with a track system of a frame;

FIG. 6C is a cut away perspective view of cogs of a ramp assemblyincluding a toothed bar and a toothed wheel;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the ramp assembly showing the ramp in alowered position below the conventional floor of the passenger vehicle;

FIG. 7B is a partial cross-section view of the ramp assembly of FIG. 7Ashowing a toothed-wheel in contact with a toothed-bar of the frame;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the ramp assembly showing the ramp in araised position flush with the conventional floor of the passengervehicle;

FIG. 8B is a partial cross-section view of the ramp assembly of FIG. 8Ashowing the toothed wheel rotated relative to the toothed wheel in FIG.7B;

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-section view of a side rail of the rampassembly showing the side rail in a collapsed position; and

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-section view of the side rail of the rampassembly showing the side rail in a lifted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the preciseforms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, theembodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the artmay appreciate and understand the principles and practices of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle 100, commonly identified as a passenger vanor bus, available from any number of United States and foreignmanufacturers. The vehicle may be a single-level bus, a double-deckerbus, or any other type of vehicle. The principles and teachings of thepresent disclosure may be used for any type of vehicle.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the vehicle 100includes a unibody construction, but other vehicles having a frame onbody construction are also included in the present disclosure.Consequently, the use of vehicle herein includes all types and kinds ofvehicles with a body on frame construction, a unibody construction, orother constructions. In addition, while the passenger van 100 isillustrated in FIG. 1 , the present disclosure is directed to allpassenger vehicles carrying one or more passengers including, but notlimited to, a bus, motor coach, sport-utility vehicle, truck, taxi,ambulance, or passenger car.

The vehicle 100 includes a frame or chassis 102 operatively coupled to afirst pair of wheels 104 and a second pair wheels 106 that propel thevehicle 100 along a ground surface 108. In the illustrative embodiment,the vehicle is shown as a bi-directional vehicle; however, it should beappreciated that in other examples, the vehicle may be one of any numberof vehicles suitable for use with the ramp assembly 114 described below.A first passenger opening 110 is located between the first pair wheels104 and the second pair of wheels 106, and provides access to apassenger for sitting or standing in the vehicle 100. The passengeropening 110 may be modified to increase the size of the opening 110 toprovide access, for example, to a passenger seated in a wheelchair toenter and exit the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 may include aconventional floor 112 extending throughout the vehicle 100 to supportpassengers and other objects traveling in the vehicle 100.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the vehicle 100 may be further modified to includethe ramp assembly 114 which provides rolling access of a wheelchair fromthe ground surface 108 into an interior 116 of the vehicle 100. Prior todeployment, the ramp assembly 114 is positioned adjacent the opening 110and beneath the conventional floor 112 of the vehicle 100. In otherexamples, prior to deployment, the ramp assembly 114 is positionedpartially beneath a modified portion 113 of the conventional floor 112,and the modified portion 113 is flush with the remainder of theconventional floor 112. In other examples, the modified portion 113 maybe sloped such that at least one (but not all) sides of the modifiedportion 113 are flush with the conventional floor 112. When the ramp 120is described herein as being “flush with the conventional floor” thephrase is meant to cover each illustrative example of a conventionaland/or modified-conventional floor herein. Additionally, as used herein“beneath” means directly underneath while “below” means at a lowerheight but not necessarily underneath.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-B, the ramp assembly 114 includes a frame 118, aramp 120 movable relative to the frame 118 and a drive block 122 coupledbetween the frame 118 and the ramp 120. The drive block may translate toforce sliding for movement of the ramp 120 relative to the frame 118. Aswill be described below in greater detail below, the ramp 120 is movablebetween several positions including a stowed position 124, a loweredposition 126, and a raised position 128. As suggested by FIGS. 2A-B, inthe stowed position 124, the ramp 120 is positioned in the interior 116the vehicle 100 and beneath the conventional floor 112. As suggested byFIGS. 3A-B, in the lowered position 126, the ramp 120 is positionedoutside the vehicle 100 and a rear end 132 of the ramp 120 is positionedbelow the conventional floor 112. As suggested by FIGS. 5A-B, in theraised position 128, the ramp 120 is positioned outside the vehicle 100and the rear end 132 of the ramp 120 is positioned flush with theconventional floor 112 while a front end 131 of the ramp 120 rests onthe ground.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-B, the frame 118 includes a top edge 127, abottom edge 129, a front end 133, a rear end 134, and a track system136. The rear end 134 of the frame 118 is spaced longitudinally apartfrom the front end 133, and the track system 136 extends longitudinallybetween the front end 133 and the rear end 134 of the frame 118. Thelongitudinal direction is indicated by arrow 119. The track system 136includes a first-side track 138, a second-side track 140, and a framefloor 142 extending between the first-side track 138 and the second-sidetrack 140. While the frame floor 142 is shown in FIG. 2B, the ramp 120eclipses the frame floor 142 in FIG. 2A.

An opening 139 is defined between the first-side track 138 and thesecond-side track 140. The ramp 120 may pass through the opening 139 asthe ramp 120 is moved from the stowed position 124 to the loweredposition 126. As such, the opening 139 is sized to receive the ramp 120and facilitate passage of the ramp 120 therethrough. In someembodiments, the frame floor 142 supports the ramp 120 as the ramp 120is moved between the stowed position 124 and the lowered position 126.It should be understood that in the illustrative embodiment thefirst-side track 138 and the second-side track 140 are a mirror image ofone another and are otherwise identical such that description of a sidetrack herein applies equally to both the first-side track 138 and thesecond-side track 140 of the track system 136.

In some embodiments, the ramp assembly 114 includes a pair of rollers(not shown) coupled to the drive block 122 for rotation relative to thedrive block 122. The rollers are sized and shaped to be positionedwithin and supported by the first-side track 138. Rolling movement ofthe rollers along the first-side track 138 facilitates sliding movementof the ramp 120 relative to the frame 118.

As shown in FIG. 2B, in some embodiments, the ramp assembly 114 includesan elongated mount 144 fixed to the drive block 122 for sliding movementwith the drive block 122 relative to the frame 118 in the longitudinaldirection 119. In such embodiments, the elongated mount 144 extends fromthe drive block 122 away from the first-side track 138 toward thesecond-side track 140. The elongated mount 144 includes a first end 146coupled to the drive block 122 and a second end 148 coupled to acasing-mount 150. As shown in FIGS. 2A-B, the casing-mount 150 iscoupled to and supports a threaded-casing 152. In some embodiments, oneor more of the threaded-casing 152, the casing mount 150, and theelongated mount 144 are formed as a single monolithic component. Inother embodiments, each piece may be formed separately and laterassembled. In either case, the frame 118 includes a first supportbracket 154 and a first bearing 156 each positioned at the front end 134of the frame 118.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-B, the first support mount 154 is coupled to thetop edge 127 of the frame 118 and extends from the first-side track 138to the second-side track 140. The first bearing 156 is coupled to andsupported by the support mount 154. The ramp assembly 114 furtherincludes a threaded-rod 158 extending the front end of the frame 118 tothe rear end of the frame 118. The threaded-rod 158 includes a first end160 with a portion thereof positioned in the first bearing 156. Thefirst bearing 156 is configured to support and facilitate rotation ofthe threaded-rod 158. The first end 160 of the threaded-rod 158 may becoupled to a rotational power supply (not shown) to cause rotation ofthe threaded-rod 158. The threaded-rod 158 may be positioned within andthreadingly coupled to the threaded-casing 152, such that rotation ofthe thread-rod 158 causes the threaded-casing 152 to translatelongitudinally along the threaded-rod 158. Longitudinal movement of thethread-casing 152 causes sliding movement of the drive block 122, whichis indirectly coupled to the threaded-casing 152 as described above.

As suggested in FIGS. 2A, 3A, and 4A, the frame 118 includes a secondsupport mount 162 and a second bearing 164 each positioned at the frontend 133 of the frame 118. The second support mount 162 is coupled to thetop edge 127 of the frame 118 and extends from the first-side track 138to the second-side track 140. The second support mount 162 cooperateswith the frame floor 142, the first-side track 138, and the second-sidetrack 140 to define the opening 139. The second bearing 164 is coupledto and supported by the second support mount 162. The threaded-rod 158includes a second end 166, and a portion of the second end 166 ispositioned in the second bearing 164. The second bearing 164 isconfigured to support and facilitate rotation of the threaded-rod 158,which ultimately facilitates sliding movement of the drive block 122relative to the frame 118 as described above. It should be appreciatedthat the drive block 122 may be translated in the longitudinal direction119 in a number of ways including but not limited to the manner and withthe mechanisms described above.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the ramp assembly 114 includes a wheel 168 coupledto the drive block 122 for rotation about a longitudinal axis 170 of thewheel 168. In the illustrative embodiment, the wheel 168 is atoothed-wheel, meaning that the wheel 168 has a plurality of projections172 extending away from the center of the wheel 168. In the illustrativeembodiment, the wheel 168 is fixed to an elongated wheel-mount 174 suchthat the elongated wheel-mount 174 is rotatable with the wheel 168. Insome embodiments, the wheel 168 and the elongated wheel-mount 174 may beformed as a single monolithic component. In other embodiments, eachpiece may be formed separately and later assembled. In either case, theelongated wheel-mount 174 is coupled to a hinge 176. As shown in FIG.2B, the hinge 176 includes a first end 178 coupled to the elongatedwheel-mount 174 and a second end 180 coupled to the rear end 132 of theramp 120. The first end 178 of the hinge 176 is configured to pivotrelative to the second end 180 of the hinge 176. As a result, the ramp120 is pivotally coupled to the wheel 168. This arrangement alsofacilitates sliding movement of the ramp 120 relative to the frame 118.For example, when the hinge 176 is in an opened positon as shown in FIG.2B, the hinge 176 cooperates with the elongated wheel-mount 174 and thewheel 168 to couple the ramp 120 to the drive block 122. Thus,longitudinal movement of the drive block 122 may push or pull the ramp120 in the longitudinal direction 119 relative to the frame 118.

As shown in FIG. 2A, when the ramp 120 is in the stowed position 124,the wheel 168 is spaced apart from the front end 133 of the frame 118.As the wheel 168 is moved longitudinally from the rear end 134 of theframe 118 toward the front end 133 of the frame 118, the ramp 120 ismoved from the stowed position 124 shown in FIGS. 2A-B to the loweredposition 126 shown in FIGS. 3A-B. As suggested in FIGS. 3A-B, when theramp 120 is in the lowered position 126, the wheel 168 is positioned atthe front end 133 of the frame 118 and the rear end 132 of the ramp 120is positioned below the conventional floor 112 (or the modified portion113). It should be appreciated that when the ramp assembly 114 issecured in the vehicle 100, the conventional floor 112 (or the modifiedportion 113) is located at a height immediately above the second supportmount 162.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the second support mount 162 includes atoothed-portion 182 having a plurality of projections 184, andtherefore, the support mount 162 may be referred to as a toothed-mount162. In some embodiments, the support mount 162 and toothed-portion 182may be a single monolithic component. In another embodiment, the supportmount 162 and the toothed-portion 182 may be formed separately and laterassembled, in which case, the toothed-portion 182 may be referred to asa toothed-bar 182. In either case described above, the projections 184may be positioned at the front end 133 of the frame 118.

Referring still to FIG. 3B, in the lowered position 126, a singleprojection 172 of the wheel 168 is in contact with a single projection184 of the support mount 162. As the drive block 122 continues to slidelongitudinally toward the front end 133 of the frame 118, each of theplurality projections 172 of the wheel 168 engage with each of theplurality of projections 184 of the second support mount 162 to causerotation of the wheel 168 about the longitudinal axis 170. When thewheel 168 and the wheel-mount 174 pivot relative to the drive block 122,the hinge 176 secured to the drive block 122 moves between an openposition (see FIG. 3B) and a folded position (see FIG. 4B) to raise andlower the ramp 120.

FIGS. 1 and 4A-B show the ramp in the raised position 128. As shown inFIG. 1 , in the raised positon 128, the ramp 120 is positioned outsidethe motor vehicle 100 and the rear end 132 of the ramp 120 is positionedflush with the conventional floor 112 (or the modified portion 113).Referring again to FIGS. 4A-B, when the ramp 120 is in the raisedposition 128, the wheel 168 is positioned at the front end 133 of theframe 118 and rotated relative to the position of the wheel 168 when theramp 120 is in the lowered position 126. In other words, the wheel 168is rotatable between a first position in which the ramp 120 is in thelowered position 126 (or the stowed position 124) and a second positionin which the ramp 120 is in the raised position 128. When the wheel 168is in the first position, the rear end 132 of the ramp 120 is positionedbelow the top edge 127 of the ramp 120, and when the wheel 168 is in thesecond position, the rear end 132 of the ramp 120 is positioned abovethe top edge 127 of the ramp 120.

In some embodiments, the wheel 168 is configured to rotate approximately90 degrees as the ramp 120 is moved between the lowered position 126 andthe raised position 128. As the wheel 168 is rotated 90 degrees, thefirst end 178 of the hinge 176 moves between: (i) a first position inwhich the first end 178 of the hinge 176 extends in a plane generallyparallel to the frame floor 142, and (ii) a second position in which thefirst end 178 of the hinge 176 extends in a plane that is generallyperpendicular to the frame floor 142.

While the description above has described the toothed-wheel 168 coupledto the drive block 122 and the toothed-bar 182 as coupled to or formedin the second support mount 162, it should be appreciated that thelocation of the of toothed-wheel 168 and the toothed-bar 182 may bereversed. For example, in illustrative embodiments, the toothed-bar 182may be fixed to the drive block 122 for sliding movement therewith andthe toothed-wheel 168 may be pivotally coupled to the frame 118 at afixed location on the frame 118. As the drive block 122 slideslongitudinally toward the front end 133 of the frame 118, thetoothed-bar 182 slides into contact with the toothed-wheel 168. As thedrive block 122 continues to slide longitudinally toward the front end133 of the frame 118, each of the plurality of projections 184 of thetoothed-bar 182 engage with each of the plurality of projections 172 ofthe toothed-wheel 168 to cause rotation of the toothed-wheel 168. Insuch an embodiment, rotation of the toothed-wheel 168 causes the hinge176 to move between an open and a folded position to raise and lower theramp 120 relative to the frame 118.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , the vehicle 200includes a unibody construction, but other vehicles having a frame onbody construction are also included in the present disclosure.Consequently, the use of vehicle herein includes all types and kinds ofvehicles with a body on frame construction, a unibody construction, orother constructions. In addition, while the passenger van 200 isillustrated in FIG. 5 , the present disclosure is directed to allpassenger vehicles carrying one or more passengers including, but notlimited to, a bus, motor coach, sport-utility vehicle, truck, taxi,ambulance, or passenger car.

The vehicle 200 includes a frame or chassis 202 coupled to a first pairof wheels 204 and a second pair wheels 206 that propel the vehicle 200along a ground surface 208. In the illustrative embodiment, the vehicleis shown as a bi-directional vehicle; however, it should be appreciatedthat in other examples, the vehicle may be one of any number of vehiclessuitable for use with a ramp assembly 214 described below. A firstpassenger opening 210 is located between the first pair wheels 204 andthe second pair of wheels 206, and provides access to a passenger forsitting or standing in the vehicle 200. The passenger opening 210 may bemodified to increase the size of the opening 210 to provide access, forexample, to a passenger seated in a wheelchair to enter and exit thevehicle 200. The vehicle 200 may include a conventional floor 212extending throughout the vehicle 200 to support passengers and otherobjects traveling in the vehicle 200.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the vehicle 200 may be further modified to includethe ramp assembly 214 which provides rolling access of a wheelchair fromthe ground surface 208 into an interior 216 of the vehicle 200. Prior todeployment, the ramp assembly 214 is positioned adjacent the opening 210and beneath the conventional floor 212 of the vehicle 200. In otherexamples, prior to deployment, the ramp assembly 214 is positionedpartially beneath a modified portion 213 of the conventional floor 212,and the modified portion 213 is flush with the remainder of theconventional floor 212. In other examples, the modified portion 213 maybe sloped such that at least one side of the modified portion 113 isflush with the conventional floor 212. In reference to the ramp 120, thephrase “flush with the conventional floor” is meant to cover eachillustrative example of a conventional and/or modified-conventionalfloor described herein. Additionally, as used herein “beneath” meansdirectly underneath while “below” means at a lower height but notnecessarily underneath.

As shown in FIGS. 6A-B, the ramp assembly 214 includes a frame 218, aramp 220 movable relative to the frame 218, and a drive block 222coupled between the frame 218 and the ramp 220. The drive block maytranslate (i.e., slide) to force the ramp 220 to slide relative to theframe 218. As will be described below in greater detail below, the ramp220 is movable between several positions including a stowed position224, a lowered position 226, and a raised position 228. As suggested byFIGS. 6A-B, in the stowed position 224, the ramp 220 is positioned inthe interior 216 the vehicle 200 and beneath the conventional floor 212.As suggested by FIGS. 7A-B, in the lowered position 226, the ramp 220 ispositioned outside the vehicle 200 and a rear end 232 of the ramp 220 ispositioned below the conventional floor 212. As suggested by FIGS. 8A-B,in the raised position 228, the ramp 220 is positioned outside thevehicle 200 and the rear end 232 of the ramp 220 is positioned flushwith the conventional floor 212 while a front end 231 of the ramp 220rests on the ground 208.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-B, the frame 218 includes a top edge 227, abottom edge 229, a front end 233, a rear end 234, and a track system236. The rear end 234 of the frame 218 is spaced longitudinally apartfrom the front end 233, and the track system 236 extends longitudinallybetween the front end 233 and the rear end 234 of the frame 218. Thelongitudinal direction is indicated by arrow 219. The track system 236includes a first-side track 238, a second-side track 240, and a framefloor 242 extending between the first-side track 238 and the second-sidetrack 240. The frame floor 242 is shown in FIG. 6B, and the ramp 220eclipses the frame floor 242 in FIG. 6A.

An opening 239 is defined at the front end 233 of the frame 218 betweenthe first-side track 238 and the second-side track 240. The ramp 220 maypass through the opening 239 as the ramp 220 is moved from the stowedposition 224 to the lowered position 226. As such, the opening 239 issized to receive the ramp 220 and facilitate passage of the ramp 220therethrough. In some embodiments, the frame floor 242 supports the ramp220 as the ramp 220 is moved between the stowed position 224 and thelowered position 226. It should be understood that in the illustrativeembodiment the first-side track 238 and the second-side track 240 are amirror image of one another and are otherwise identical such thatdescription of a side track herein applies equally to both thefirst-side track 238 and the second-side track 240 of the track system236.

In some embodiments, the ramp assembly 214 includes rollers 215 sizedand shaped to be positioned within and supported by the first-side track238. The ramp assembly 214 also includes a spacer block 223 coupledbetween the drive block 222 and the rollers 215. The rollers 215 arepivotally coupled to the spacer block for rotational movement relativeto the spacer block 223 and the drive block 222. Rolling movement of therollers 215 along the first-side track 238 facilitates sliding movementof the ramp 220 relative to the frame 218.

As shown in FIG. 6B, in some embodiments, the ramp assembly 214 includesan elongated mount 244 fixed to the drive block 222 for sliding movementwith the drive block 222 relative to the frame 218 in the longitudinaldirection 219. In such embodiments, the elongated mount 244 is coupledto and extends from the drive block 222 away from the first-side track238 toward the second-side track 240. The elongated mount 244 includes afirst portion 246 coupled to the drive block 222 and a second portion248 coupled to a first casing mount 250. As shown in FIGS. 6A-B, thefirst casing mount 250 is coupled to and supports a first threadedcasing 252. In some embodiments, one or more of the first threadedcasing 252, the casing mount 250, and the elongated mount 244 are formedas a single monolithic component. In other embodiments, each piece maybe formed separately and later assembled. The ramp assembly 214 alsoincludes a first support bracket 254 including a first bearing 256formed therein.

As shown in FIG. 6A many components of the ramp assembly 214 have amirror image counterpart. For example, the ramp assembly 214 includes asecond casing mount 251 coupled to and supporting a second threadedcasing. Additionally, the ramp assembly 214 includes a second supportbracket 259 including a second bearing 261 formed therein. It should beappreciated that the description of any mirror image component appliesequally to its counterpart. A cross bar 253 is positioned above andcoupled to the first support bracket 254 and the second support bracket259. The cross bar 253 is fixed to the frame 218, positioned at the topedge 227 of the frame 218, and extends transversely across the frame 218perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 219. The cross bar 253 isone of a plurality of cross bars configured to support the conventionalfloor 212 or modified portion thereof 213 above the internal componentsof the ramp assembly 214.

Referring still to FIGS. 6A-B, the ramp assembly 214 further includes afirst threaded rod 258 extending from the front end of the frame 218 tothe rear end of the frame 218. The first threaded rod 258 includes afirst end 260 with a portion thereof positioned in the first bearing256. The first bearing 256 is configured to support and facilitaterotation of the first threaded-rod 258. The first end 260 of the firstthreaded rod 258 may be coupled to a rotational power supply (not shown)to cause rotation of the threaded rod 258. The first threaded rod 258may be positioned within and threadingly coupled to the first threadedcasing 252, such that rotation of the first threaded rod 258 causes thefirst threaded casing 252 to translate longitudinally along the firstthreaded rod 258. Longitudinal movement of the first threaded casing 252causes sliding movement of the drive block 222, which is indirectlycoupled to the first threaded casing 252 as described above.

The ramp assembly 214 further includes a second threaded rod 263extending the front end 233 of the frame 218 to the rear end 234 of theframe 218. The second threaded rod 263 includes a first end with aportion thereof positioned in the second bearing 261. The second bearing261 is configured to support and facilitate rotation of the secondthreaded rod 263. The first end of the second threaded rod 263 may becoupled to a rotational power supply (not shown) to cause rotation ofthe second threaded rod 263. The second threaded rod 263 may bepositioned within and threadingly coupled to a second threaded casing,such that rotation of the second threaded rod 263 causes the secondthreaded casing to translate longitudinally along the second threadedrod 263. The first and second threaded rods 258, 263 may be coupled tothe same rotational power supply and are rotated at the same speed tomove their respective threaded casings and drive blocks at the samespeed longitudinally along the track system 236, which ultimately movesthe ramp 220 in a smooth fashion relative to the frame 218.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 7A-B, the frame 218 includes a second cross bar265 positioned at the front end 233 of the frame 218. Like the firstcross bar 253, the second cross bar cross bar 265 is fixed to the frame218, positioned at the top edge 227 of the frame 218, and extendstransversely across the frame 218. The second cross bar 265 cooperateswith the frame floor 242, the first-side track 238, and the second-sidetrack 240 to define the opening 239.

The second cross bar 265 includes a first support mount 267 having abearing 269 formed therein and a second support mount 271 having abearing 273 formed therein. The first threaded rod 258 includes a secondend positioned in the bearing 269. The bearing 269 is configured tosupport and facilitate rotation of the first threaded rod 258, whichultimately causes sliding movement of the drive block 222 relative tothe frame 218 as described above. The second threaded rod 263 includes asecond end positioned in the bearing 273. The bearing 273 is configuredto support and facilitate rotation of the second threaded rod 263, whichultimately causes sliding movement of the respective drive block, asdescribed above. Sliding movement of the drive blocks causes slidingmovement of the ramp 220 relative to the frame 218, as described above.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the ramp assembly 214 includes a wheel 268 coupledto the drive block 222 for rotation about a longitudinal axis 270 of thewheel 268. In the illustrative embodiment, the wheel 268 is a toothedwheel, meaning that the wheel 268 has a plurality of projections 272extending away from the center of the wheel 268.

As shown in FIG. 7C, the plurality of projections 272 includes akeystone projection 275, a first plurality of subordinate projections277 positioned clockwise of the keystone projection 275, and secondplurality of subordinate projections 279 positioned counter-clockwise ofthe keystone projection 275. Each subordinate projection is spaced aparta first distance 291 from an adjacent subordinate projection. The firstand second pluralities of subordinate projections 277, 279 each includea first projection 281 positioned nearest to the keystone projection275. Each first projection 281 is spaced apart from the keystoneprojection 275 a second distance 293 that is greater than the firstdistance 291. As shown in FIG. 6A, the ramp assembly 214 includes twowheels 268. In the illustrative embodiment, the two wheels 268 areidentical to one another and not mirror image components. The existenceof two pluralities of subordinate projections, e.g., one on each side ofthe keystone projection 275, allows the same wheel 268 to be positionedon both sides of the ramp assembly 214. Thus, only one configuration ofa toothed wheel is required to be manufactured to assemble the rampassembly 214.

Referring again to FIG. 6B, in the illustrative embodiment, the wheel268 is fixed to an elongated wheel mount 274. The elongated wheel mount274 is rotatable with the wheel 268. In some embodiments, the wheel 268and the elongated wheel mount 274 may be formed as a single monolithiccomponent. In other embodiments, each piece may be formed separately andlater assembled. In either case, the elongated wheel mount 274 iscoupled to a hinge 276. As shown in FIG. 6B, the hinge 276 includes afirst end 278 coupled to the elongated wheel mount 274 and a second end280 coupled to the rear end 232 of the ramp 220. The first end 278 ofthe hinge 276 is configured to pivot relative to the second end 280 ofthe hinge 276. As a result, the ramp 220 is pivotally coupled to thewheel 268. This arrangement also facilitates sliding movement of theramp 220 relative to the frame 218. For example, when the hinge 276 isin an opened positon as shown in FIG. 6B, the hinge 276 cooperates withthe elongated wheel mount 274 and the wheel 268 to couple the ramp 220to the drive block 222. Thus, longitudinal movement of the drive block222 may urge (i.e., push or pull) the ramp 220 in the longitudinaldirection 219 relative to the frame 218.

As shown in FIG. 6A, when the ramp 220 is in the stowed position 224,the wheel 268 is spaced apart from the front end 233 of the frame 218.As the wheel 268 is moved longitudinally from the rear end 234 of theframe 218 toward the front end 233 of the frame 218, the ramp 220 ismoved from the stowed position 224 shown in FIGS. 6A-B to the loweredposition 226 shown in FIGS. 7A-B. As suggested in FIGS. 7A-B, when theramp 220 is in the lowered position 226, the wheel 268 is positioned atthe front end 233 of the frame 218, and the rear end 232 of the ramp 220is positioned below the conventional floor 212 or the modified portionthereof 213.

FIG. 7B shows the second cross bar 265; however, a portion of the crossbar 265 has been cut away to show a toothed portion 282 formed in thecross bar 265. The toothed portion 282 includes a plurality ofprojections 284 (see FIG. 6C). In some embodiments, the toothed portion282 and the cross bar 265 may be a signal monolithic component. In someembodiments, the toothed portion 282 may be formed in a bar or othercomponent that is distinct from and merely coupled to the cross bar 265.At times, the toothed portion 282 may be referred to as a toothed bar.

In the illustrative embodiment, the toothed portion 282 includes aprimary projection 283 and a plurality of secondary projections 285.When the tooth portion 282 is formed in the cross bar 265 and the crossbar 265 is coupled to the frame 218 as illustratively show in FIG. 7B,the plurality of secondary projections 285 are positioned forward of theprimary projection 283. The primary projection 283 has a width 295 thatis substantially equal to the second distance 293 defined between thekeystone projection 275 and the first subordinate projections 281.

As shown in FIG. 7B, when the ramp 220 is in the lowered position 226,the keystone projection 275 of the wheel 268 is in contact with theprimary projection 283 of the cross bar 265. As the drive block 222continues to slide longitudinally toward the front end 233 of the frame218, the plurality of subordinate projections 279 of the wheel 268engage with each of the plurality of secondary projections 285 of thecross bar 265 to cause rotation of the wheel 268 about the longitudinalaxis 270. When the wheel 268 and the wheel mount 274 pivot relative tothe drive block 222, the hinge 276 moves between an opened position (seeFIG. 7B) and a folded position (see FIG. 8B) to raise and lower the ramp220.

Referring still to FIG. 7B, the ramp assembly 214 further includes aroller 287 supported above the frame floor 242 by the first supportmount 267. The ramp assembly 214 also includes a pad 289 coupled to thefirst end 278 of the hinge 276 and aligned with the roller 287. When theramp 220 is in the lowered position 226 (or stowed position 224), anexposed surface of the pad 289 faces away from the frame floor 242. Asbest shown in FIG. 6A, it should be appreciated that the ramp assembly214 includes a second roller 297 supported above the frame floor 242 bythe second support mount 271. The ramp assembly 214 also includes asecond pad 299 coupled to the first end 278 of the hinge 276 and alignedwith the roller 297. When the ramp 220 is in the lowered position 226(or stowed position 224), an exposed surface of the pad 299 faces awayfrom the frame floor 242.

As the ramp 220 is moved from the stowed position 224 to the loweredposition 226 the ramp 220 becomes cantilevered, extending beyond theforward end 233 of the frame 218. Therefore, gravity has a tendency toforce the front end 231 of the ramp 220 downward, thus, the rearward end232 of the ramp 220 is forced upward. To counteract these forces, thepads 289, 299 contact the rollers 287, 297 to limit upward and downwardmovement of the ramp 220 as the ramp is moved from the stowed position224 to the lowered position 226.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the ramp 220 further includes support mechanism 245coupled between the elongated mount 244 and the elongated wheel mount274. As shown in the illustrative embodiment, the support mechanism 245may include, for example, a gas spring 247. In any case, the supportmechanism 245 is fixed at a first end to the elongated mount 244 and ata second end to the elongated wheel mount 274 to further prevent upwardand downward movement of the ramp 220 when the ramp 220 is moved fromthe stowed position 224 to the lowered position 226. In the illustrativeembodiment, the gas spring 247 is positioned in a support mechanismhousing 249. Pins 251 extend through ends of the gas spring 247 and endsof housing 249 to couple the gas spring 247 to the housing 249.

FIGS. 1 and 8A-B show the ramp in the raised position 228. As shown inFIG. 1 , in the raised positon 228, the ramp 220 is positioned outsidethe motor vehicle 200 and the rear end 232 of the ramp 220 is positionedflush with the conventional floor 212 or the modified portion thereof213. Referring again to FIGS. 8A-B, when the ramp 220 is in the raisedposition 228, the wheel 268 is positioned at the front end 233 of theframe 218 and rotated relative to the position of the wheel 268 when theramp 220 is in the lowered position 226. In other words, the wheel 268is rotatable between a first position in which the ramp 220 is in thelowered position 226 (or the stowed position 224) and a second positionin which the ramp 220 is in the raised position 228. When the wheel 268is in the first position, the rear end 232 of the ramp 120 is positionedbelow the top edge 227 of the frame 218, and when the wheel 268 is inthe second position, the rear end 232 of the ramp 120 is positionedabove the top edge 227 of the frame 218 (flush with the conventionalfloor 212).

In some embodiments, the wheel 268 is configured to rotate approximately90 degrees as the ramp 220 is moved between the lowered position 226 andthe raised position 228. As the wheel 268 is rotated 90 degrees, thefirst end 278 of the hinge 276 moves between: (i) a first position inwhich the first end 278 of the hinge 276 extends in a planesubstantially parallel to the frame floor 242, and (ii) a secondposition in which the first end 278 of the hinge 276 extends in a planethat is substantially perpendicular to the frame floor 242.

While the description above has described the toothed wheel 268 ascoupled to the drive block 222 and the toothed portion 282 as formed inor coupled to the cross bar 265, it should be appreciated that thelocation of the of toothed wheel 268 and the toothed portion 282 may bereversed. For example, in illustrative embodiments, the toothed portion282 may be formed in or otherwise fixed to the drive block 222 forsliding movement therewith, and the toothed wheel 268 may be pivotallycoupled to the frame 218 and fixed in a location relative to the frame218. As the drive block 222 slides longitudinally toward the front end233 of the frame 218, the toothed portion 282 slides into contact withthe toothed wheel 268. As the drive block 222 continues to slidelongitudinally toward the front end 233 of the frame 218, each of theprojections 284 of the toothed portion 282 engage with each of theplurality of projections 272 of the toothed wheel 268 to cause rotationof the toothed wheel 268. The toothed wheel 268 and the toothed bar 282are shown generally in FIG. 6C. In such an embodiment, rotation of thetoothed wheel 268 causes raising and lowing the ramp 220 relative to theframe 218, as described above.

The term “cog” is meant to include both a wheel having a series ofprojections and a bar having a series of projections. As used herein acog is a wheel or bar that transfers motion by engaging with projectionson another wheel or bar. In the illustrative embodiments shown herein, afirst cog is coupled to the frame 218 at a fixed location on the frame218, and a second cog is coupled to the ramp 220 for sliding movementwith the ramp 220. The wheel 268 is rotatable relative to the componentto which it is coupled. This facilitates movement of the ramp 220between the lowered position 226 and the raised position 228.

Referring now to FIG. 8A, a first side rail 302 and a second side rail304 of the ramp assembly 214 are shown. In FIG. 8A, the side rails 302,304 have been lifted out of their respective side rail housings 308,310. As shown FIG. 7A, the side rails 302, 304 are in a collapseposition within the housings 308, 310 when the ramp 220 is in thelowered position 226 (or the stowed position 224). As shown in FIG. 8A,the side rails 302, 304 are in a lifted position when the ramp 220 is inthe raised position 228. As the ramp 220 moves from the lowered position226 to the raised position 228, the spacer block 223 and the cross bar265 contact a lever 306 of the side rail 302 to cause rotation of thelever 306 relative to the ramp 220. Contact by the spacer block 223 andthe cross bar 265 forces the side rail 302 to move to the liftedposition, as described in greater detail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10 , the side rail 302 is shown; however,it should be appreciated that the side rails 302 and 304 are identicalsuch that any description of the side rail 302 applies equally to theside rail 304. FIG. 9 shows the side rail 302 in the collapse position,and FIG. 10 shows the side rail 302 in the lifted position.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the ramp assembly 214 includes a supportarm 312 coupled to the drive block 222 for sliding movement therewith.The support arm 312 includes a pocket 314. The ramp 220 includes aweight-bearing pin 316 coupled to the ramp 220 and configured to rest inthe pocket 314 of the support arm 312. The weight-bearing pin 316 mayalso travel longitudinally within the pocket 314. When the ramp 220 isin the lowered position 226 (and the stowed position 224) theweight-bearing pin 316 is positioned at a front end of the pocket 314.When the ramp 220 is in the raised position 228, the weight-being pin316 is positioned at a rearward end of the pocket 314. As the ramp 220is moved from the stowed position 224 to the lowered position 226 theramp 220 becomes cantilevered, extending beyond the forward end 233 ofthe frame 218. Therefore, gravity has a tendency to force the front end231 of the ramp 220 downward, thus, the rearward end 232 of the ramp 220is forced upward. To counteract these forces, the support arm 312 isconfigured to support the weight-bearing pin 316 (and the ramp 220)above the ground 208.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the side rail 302 includes the lever 306, alinkage bar 318, and a runner 320. The lever 306 includes a first end322 pivotally coupled to the runner 320 and a second end or free end 324positioned opposite the first end 322. The lever 306 further includes aramped portion 326 extending upwardly and away from the free end 324.The lever 306 is pivotally coupled to the ramp 220 at a rotational axis328 of the lever 306. The rotational axis 328 is positioned between thefirst end 322 and the second end 324 of the lever 306. When the ramp 220moves from the lowered position 326 to the raised position 328, thespacer block 223 and the cross bar 265 contact the free end 324 and theramped portion 326 to cause rotation of the lever 306. As the lever 306rotates, the lever 306 pulls the runner 320 out from the housing 308 andmoves the side rail 302 to the lifted position. In the illustrativeembodiment, the linkage bar 318 is an L-shaped bar having a first end330 pivotally coupled to the ramp 220 and a second end 332 pivotallycoupled to the runner 320. When the runner 320 is lifted out from thehousing 308, the runner 320 pulls the linkage bar 318 out from thehousing 308 as well. The linkage bar 318 rotates about its first end 330and second end 332 as the side rail 302 moves to the lifted position.

While exemplary embodiments incorporating the principles of the presentdisclosure have been disclosed herein, the present disclosure is notlimited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this application isintended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosureusing its general principles. For instance, the present disclosure isnot limited to the modification of a purchased OEM vehicle, but can beincorporated into the OEM vehicle when manufactured. Further, thisapplication is intended to cover such departures from the presentdisclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art towhich this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of theappended claims.

1. A ramp assembly comprising a ramp with a front end, a rear end, andat least one side rail assembly, wherein: the ramp is moveable between astowed position and an extended position; in the extended position, therear end of the ramp is moveable between a lowered position and a raisedposition; the at least one side rail assembly comprises a lever; and, asthe rear end of the ramp moves from the lowered position to the raisedposition, the lever pivots to move at least a portion of the side railassembly from a collapsed position to a lifted position.
 2. The rampassembly of claim 1, further wherein as the rear end of the ramp movesfrom the raised position to the lowered position, the lever pivots tomove the portion of the side rail assembly from the lifted position tothe collapsed position.
 3. The ramp assembly of claim 1 furthercomprising a frame, wherein: the ramp moves relative to the framebetween the stowed position and the extended position; the rear end ofthe ramp moves relative to the frame between the lowered position andthe raised position; and, as the rear end of the ramp moves from thelowered position to the raised position, contact between the lever and aportion of the frame causes the lever to pivot and move the portion ofthe side rail assembly from the collapsed position to the liftedposition.
 4. The ramp assembly of claim 3 further wherein the portion ofthe frame is an opening through which the ramp moves between the stowedposition and the extended position.
 5. The ramp assembly of claim 3further wherein the portion of the frame is a cross bar.
 6. The rampassembly of claim 1 further wherein: the lever comprises a rotationalaxis disposed between a first end and a second end; and, the leverpivots relative to the ramp about the rotational axis.
 7. The rampassembly of claim 6 further wherein the lever is pivotally coupled tothe ramp at the rotational axis.
 8. The ramp assembly of claim 1 furtherwherein: the at least one side rail assembly comprises the lever, atleast one linkage bar, and a runner; and, the portion of the side railassembly is the runner.
 9. The ramp assembly of claim 8 further wherein:the lever is pivotally coupled between and for pivoting relative to boththe ramp and the runner; and, the at least one linkage bar is pivotallycoupled between and for pivoting relative to both the ramp and therunner; whereby the ramp, the lever, the at least one linkage bar, andthe runner define a four-bar linkage assembly.
 10. The ramp assembly ofclaim 8 further wherein: the lever comprises a first end opposite asecond end the lever is pivotally coupled to the runner at the first endfor rotation relative to the runner; the lever is pivotally coupled tothe ramp at a rotational axis to the ramp for rotation relative to theramp; and, the rotational axis is disposed between the first end and thesecond end.
 11. The ramp assembly of claim 10 further comprising aframe, wherein: the ramp moves relative to the frame between the stowedposition and the extended position; the second end of the levercomprises a free end; and, as the rear end of the ramp moves from thelowered position to the raised position, contact between the second endof the lever and a portion of the frame causes the lever to pivot andmove the runner from the collapsed position to the lifted position. 12.The ramp assembly of claim 11 further wherein the second end of thelever includes a ramped portion extending upwardly and away from thefree end.
 13. The ramp assembly of claim 8 further comprising a siderail housing, wherein the runner is disposed within the housing in thecollapsed position.
 14. The ramp assembly of claim 1 further wherein:the portion of the side rail assembly moves between the collapsedposition and the raised position by rotating relative to the ramp abouta rotational axis; and, the rotational axis is disposed laterallyrelative to the ramp.
 15. The ramp assembly of claim 1 further wherein:the ramp includes a first side edge opposite a second side edge; and,the at least one side rail assembly includes a first side rail assemblydisposed adjacent the first side edge and a second side rail assemblydisposed adjacent the second side edge.
 16. The ramp assembly of claim 1in a vehicle having a floor, wherein: in the stowed position, the rampis disposed below the floor; in the lowered position, the rear end ofthe ramp is disposed below the floor; and, in the raised position, therear and of the ramp is disposed generally adjacent the floor.
 17. Aramp assembly comprising a frame and a ramp with a front end, a rearend, and at least one side rail assembly, wherein: the ramp is moveablerelative to the frame between a stowed position and an extendedposition; in the extended position, the rear end of the ramp is moveablerelative to the frame between a lowered position and a raised position;and, as the rear end of the ramp moves from the lowered position to theraised position, a first portion of the at least one side rail assemblyengages with a portion of the frame to move a second portion of the atleast one side rail assembly from a collapsed position to a liftedposition.
 18. A ramp assembly comprising a frame and a ramp with a frontend, a rear end, and at least one side rail assembly, wherein: the rampis moveable relative to the frame between a stowed position and anextended position; in the extended position, the rear end of the ramp ismoveable relative to the frame between a lowered position and a raisedposition; the at least one side rail assembly comprises a runner and alever; the lever comprises a rotational axis disposed between a firstend and a second end; the lever is pivotally coupled to the runner atthe first end for rotation relative to the runner; and, as the rear endof the ramp moves from the lowered position to the raised position,contact between the second end of the lever and a portion of the framecauses the lever to pivot and move the runner from a collapsed positionto a lifted position.
 19. The ramp assembly of claim 18 further wherein:the ramp includes a first side edge opposite a second side edge; and,the at least one side rail assembly includes a first side rail assemblydisposed adjacent the first side edge and a second side rail assemblydisposed adjacent the second side edge.
 20. The ramp assembly of claim18 in a vehicle having a floor, wherein: in the stowed position, theramp is disposed below the floor; in the lowered position, the rear endof the ramp is disposed below the floor; and, in the raised position,the rear and of the ramp is disposed generally adjacent the floor.